PSYCHOLOGY 2025
LIFESPAN DEVELOPMENT PSYCHOLOGY
FALL 2011
Instructor: Jim Robinson, Ph.D.
Office: Mendel 112
Hours: Before class and by appointment
Phone: 651-699-2499
email: jartrob@aol.com
Text: Berger, K.S. The Developing Person through the Lifespan, 2009. Worth
Publishers, New York. This text is required. There is also an optional Study Guide
available at the bookstore. You may, of course, use latest edition.
Course Description: This course explores the life-span development of human
beings from the time of conception through our ultimate passage into death. We will
look at ways in which people develop physically, cognitively, and emotionally, and at
the many factors that affect our growth. At the same time, we will critically examine
various developmental theories and research methods in hopes of understanding how
our perception of development shapes our expectations of ourselves and others.
Course Requirements: Please read the following information carefully and seek
out clarification if you have questions.
participation: While no formal attendance will be taken after the first few
sessions, it is essential that you attend regularly to benefit from the lectures,
discussions, and films shown in class. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR EVERYTHING
DISCUSSED IN CLASS. If you cannot make a particular class, let me know in
advance; if you miss a class, be sure to get the day’s notes from another student.
Unless you make arrangements with me in advance, I will not have materials from
previous sessions. YOU MUST ATTEN D THE FIRST SESSION TO BE
ENROLLED IN THE CLASS.
readings: Please come to class prepared by reading each day’s assignment
(see course outline) before class begins. I do not expect you to have the first
week’s reading done before class begins. You will get more out of each class
and will be able to contribute more if you complete the reading prior to class
discussion. Of course, you will also retain and integrate more information if you
follow this advice, and you will probably do better on the exams as a result.
exams: There will be two exams throughout the semester. Each exam will
be worth 100 points. The exams are non-cumulative. Penalties for academic
dishonesty (i.e. cheating and plagiarism) are severe; you will fail the course and be
referred to the Associate Dean of the college. See me if circumstances are such that
you are concerned about your grade; we can discuss options.
make-up exams: Plan to receive the exams on the scheduled dates. If you
have an emergency or you cannot make the exam because of illness, please contact
me BEFORE the exam to make other arrangements. Late exams will be granted
ONLY UNDER THESE CONDITIONS (i.e. you contact me before the exam).
final project: There will be one final project due on the second-to-last day of
class. This project will help you apply concepts we've used in class; you will be
working on this project throughout the semester under my guidance. The project is
worth 100 points. LATE PROJECTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES. This, along with your two tests, will comprise your entire grade.
texting and other annoyances: Please don’t text in class or check
Facebook during lecture. I will not take this lightly. Please discuss this with me if you
have concerns or questions.
lastly: Much of this course will take place during our meetings. I have found
that lively discussions and in-class demonstrations help students get the most out of the
material. I want you to enjoy this experience; otherwise, why do it? (This is a
rhetorical question).
Course Outline, Essay Deadlines, and Exam Dates:
Week
Date
Topic
Reading
1
Sa, 9/10
Introduction
Theories of development
Heredity and Environment
Prenatal development
Ch.
Ch.
Ch.
Ch.
1
2
3
4
2
Sa, 9/17
Physical development in infancy
Cognitive development in infancy
Language development
Emotional development in infancy
Ch.
Ch.
Ch.
Ch.
5
6
6
7
3
Sa, 10/1
Physical and cognitive development Ch. 8, 9
in early childhood
Emotional development in early
Ch. 10
childhood
4
5
6
Sa, 10/15
Sa, 10/29
Sa, 11/12
Physical development in mid-childhood
Cognitive development in mid-childhood
Socioemotional development in midchildhood
Gender role; moral development
MIDTERM DUE
Physical and cognitive changes in
adolescence
Socioemotional development in
adolescence
Transition from adolescence to
adulthood
Cognitive development and career
in early adulthood
Love and intimacy in adulthood
Physical and cognitive development
in middle adulthood
Ch. 11
Ch. 12
Ch. 13
Ch. 15
Ch. 14, 15
Ch. 16
Ch. 17
Ch. 18
Ch. 19
Ch. 20, 21
7
Sa, 11/19
Socioemotional development in midCh. 22
adulthood
Physical development in late adult- Ch. 23
hood
PROJECT DUE
8
Sa, 12/3
Cognitive development and wisdom
Mental health in late adulthood
FINAL EXAM DUE
FINAL EXAM DUE: Saturday, December 3. NO EXCEPTIONS. NONE.
Ch. 24
Ch. 25